Caught on camera, BJP, Cong suspend eight councillors

After being allegedly caught on camera seeking bribes, eight councillors of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) — six from BJP and two from Congress, including a former mayor —were suspended from their respective political parties on Wednesday. The councillors were allowing illegal constructions in their respective areas after taking money.

While the councillors have been suspended, they will continue to work as councillors —attending house meetings, sanctioning money for construction work and distributing pensions. “There is no provision for disqualifying a councillor who has been elected from among the people,” said a MCD official.

However, councillors say that one of the root causes of bribery is the fact that they do not get any salaries from the corporation unlike members of the legislative assemblies. “The party expects contributions from them and being a politician, there are various expenses,” said a councillor.